Robert Irwin delivered a moving performance in week 9 of “Dancing With the Stars” season 34. The Australian conservationist and his partner Witney Carson danced a Foxtrot to “Footprints in the Sand” by Leona Lewis, earning the pair a perfect score. See what Irwin said about the “emotional” and “healing” tribute to his dad, the late Steve Irwin.
Robert Irwin Calls ‘DWTS’ Tribute to Dad Steve Irwin ‘Healing’
On November 12, Irwin took to Instagram to share a video of their week 9 performance and reflect on how meaningful the dance was to him.
“Tonight was healing. This dance was emotional, beautiful and so deeply meaningful,” he wrote in the caption. “I carry Dad’s legacy with me in everything I do, and it was a privilege to dedicate our foxtrot to him.”
He continued, “Thank you @bindisueirwin for inspiring us with your freestyle to this song, and thank you @witneycarson for once again choreographing such a beautiful story through dance and for creating a space for me to convey raw emotions that I’ve never gotten to share before.”
“I’m a proud Wildlife Warrior, and I’ll always carry on my dad’s mission,” Irwin added. “I’m so grateful that I can do that in the ballroom.”
Carson commented, “You’re such a beacon of light and strength for so many. I’m so grateful to know you.”
Irwin’s sister Bindi also shared a reaction, posting a video of her performance with partner Derek Hough.
“Incredibly honoured that Robert and Witney danced to ‘Footprints In The Sand,’ a song that I dedicated to Dad 10 years ago during my time on ‘Dancing With The Stars.’ This dance healed part of my heart and I hoped it would do the same for Robert,” she wrote.
She added, “Enormous gratitude to Derek and Witney for giving us both the indescribable gift of dancing through grief and finding so much love and peace. ❤️ And Robert, I know with all my heart that Dad is beaming with pride because of the wonderful man you are today.”
Irwin’s Performance Moved Fans to Tears
Irwin’s fans flooded the comments section with messages about how much the performance moved them.
“How does it feel to bring the entire world to tears with one dance?” one fan asked.
“This was so moving,” another person wrote. “I still can’t wrap my head around him not having dance training and also being able to connect with his emotions so beautifully without fear — truly a good human and exactly what the world needs right now.”
Another fan noted, “Absolutely incredible. So grateful to live in the same time as you and your sister and watch you change the world exactly the way your dad did 🤍 what a legacy.”
“Robert, this was incredibly beautiful 🥰 Your emotion was palpable,” another fan commented. “You and Witney were stunning and so in sync. And then you and Bindi. I can’t even 🥹 What a deeply moving tribute to your dad. He’s so unbelievably proud.”
Another fan commented, “This was beautiful. Your soul is beautiful. Never change. The world is so proud of you, and so is he.”
